What happens at a criminal arraignment in Greene County
A criminal arraignment in Greene County, Virginia, is the first formal court appearance after an arrest or the issuance of a summons. At this hearing, which takes place at the Greene County General District Court located at 85 Stanard Street in Stanardsville, the judge advises the defendant of the specific charges, explains the potential penalties, and informs the defendant of the right to an attorney. The defendant is then asked to enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or, in some cases, no contest. The court will also address bail: the magistrate may already have set a bond, but the judge can review and modify it. If the arrest involved a warrant, the arraignment may include a formal reading of the charging document. For felony charges, the initial appearance before the General District Court is typically for a bond determination and to schedule a preliminary hearing; the formal arraignment on the indictment later occurs in Greene County Circuit Court. Having an experienced attorney present at this stage can be crucial because decisions made during the arraignment—such as the plea entry and any bond arguments—affect the entire course of the case. If you have been charged with a criminal offense in Greene County, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to discuss your situation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
What happens at a criminal arraignment in Greene County, Virginia, and why it matters
The procedure at an arraignment in Greene County follows a clear sequence, but the details depend on whether the charge is a misdemeanor or a felony. In General District Court, the judge first calls the case and confirms the defendant’s identity. The Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office is present for many cases, though for certain misdemeanors, the officer who issued the summons may represent the state. The judge then reads the charge aloud or summarizes it, explains the maximum penalty by class of offense—for example, a Class 1 misdemeanor carries up to twelve months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500—and advises the defendant of the right to counsel. If the defendant cannot afford an attorney, the court will determine eligibility for court-appointed counsel.
Next, the defendant enters a plea. A plea of not guilty preserves all rights and leads to a trial date. A guilty plea may result in immediate sentencing, though in many cases the court orders a presentence report for more serious matters. A no‑contest plea, while not an admission of guilt, has the same effect as a guilty plea for sentencing purposes. In Greene County, as in the rest of Virginia, judges do not participate in plea negotiations, but the Commonwealth’s Attorney and defense counsel may reach agreements that the court then considers. After the plea, the court addresses bail, scheduling, and any conditions of release. For felony charges, the General District Court will set a date for a preliminary hearing, where the prosecutor must show probable cause to send the case to the Circuit Court. The formal arraignment in Circuit Court later will repeat many of these steps after an indictment is returned. Because the decisions made at these early hearings are often difficult to undo, having a lawyer who understands Greene County court practices is an important asset.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in Greene County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in Greene County carries up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500; a Class 2 misdemeanor carries up to 6 months and a fine of up to $1,000. Common charges include assault and battery under Virginia Code § 18.2‑57, petit larceny for property valued at less than $1,000 under § 18.2‑96, and driving on a suspended license under § 46.2‑301. Misdemeanor cases are heard initially in the Greene County General District Court. A conviction results in a permanent criminal record that can affect employment, housing, and professional licenses. For a first offense, certain diversion or deferred‑disposition programs may be available, though eligibility is limited. To discuss the specific potential consequences of your charge, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Can criminal charges be expunged in Greene County, Virginia?
Virginia allows expungement of criminal charges only when the case ends in an acquittal, a nolle prosequi, or a dismissal. Under Virginia Code § 19.2‑392.2, a person who was charged but not convicted may petition the Greene County Circuit Court to seal the police and court records. Most convictions cannot be expunged, although certain marijuana possession offenses resolved through a deferred disposition may be eligible for expungement after completing the terms. The petition process requires serving notice on the Commonwealth’s Attorney and, in some instances, a hearing. Because the rules are detailed and the outcome is not automatic, speaking with an attorney before filing is wise. For a consultation on your eligibility, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
How does bail work in Greene County, Virginia?
After an arrest in Greene County, a magistrate sets the initial bond amount; personal recognizance, requiring no payment, is common for first‑offense misdemeanors, while a secured bond is more typical for felonies. If a defendant cannot post the secured amount, a licensed bail bondsman may post it for a fee that is generally a percentage of the total. The bond decision can be appealed to the Greene County General District Court, where a judge may modify the amount or conditions. Factors affecting bond include the nature of the offense, the defendant’s ties to the community, and any prior failures to appear. Public defenders are available for those who qualify financially, and court‑appointed counsel fees vary. Having an attorney present at the bond hearing can help present information that supports a reasonable bail. For more detailed information, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Greene County, Virginia?
Yes—even a misdemeanor conviction in Greene County can result in jail time, a fine, and a permanent criminal record, and having an experienced attorney helps protect your rights at every stage. The Greene County courts, from the General District Court to the Circuit Court, operate under procedural rules that can be difficult to navigate without counsel. A lawyer can evaluate the strength of the prosecution’s evidence, negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney for a charge reduction or alternative disposition, and, if necessary, prepare the case for trial. At the arraignment itself, an attorney can argue for release on recognizance or a lower bond and ensure that the plea you enter does not inadvertently waive important rights. Early involvement often makes a positive difference. To discuss your case, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
What is the difference between the General District Court and the Circuit Court in Greene County?
The Greene County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and preliminary hearings for felony charges; the Greene County Circuit Court handles felony trials and appeals from the General District Court. In General District Court, there is no jury; a judge decides guilt. If a defendant is convicted in General District Court, they generally have an automatic right to appeal to the Circuit Court for a new trial, often called a trial de novo. In the Circuit Court, a defendant charged with an offense that carries potential jail time has the right to a jury trial. Because the stakes and procedures are different, having legal counsel who understands each court’s practices is essential. For guidance on your specific situation, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
What happens if I plead not guilty at the arraignment?
A plea of not guilty preserves all of your legal rights and leads the court to schedule a trial date. In the Greene County General District Court, a trial date is typically set within several weeks. During the time before trial, your attorney can investigate the facts, file motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges, and negotiate with the prosecutor. For felony charges, the not‑guilty plea at the initial appearance triggers a preliminary hearing, where the judge decides whether probable cause exists to send the case to the Circuit Court. If the case is certified, you will be arraigned again in Circuit Court after an indictment and must enter a new plea. An experienced attorney can help you make informed decisions at each of these steps.
Can I change my plea after the arraignment?
In Virginia, a defendant may generally change a not‑guilty plea to guilty or no contest at any time before sentencing, subject to the court’s approval. Changing a plea from guilty or no contest to not guilty, however, is more difficult and usually requires a showing that the original plea was not made voluntarily or intelligently. If new evidence emerges, or if a negotiated agreement with the prosecutor becomes available, an attorney can guide you on the trusted course. For questions about your options, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
What should I bring to my arraignment in Greene County?
You should bring the summons or charging document, a copy of any bond paperwork, photo identification, and a list of any medications you take, in case incarceration occurs. Also bring contact information for any potential sureties or references who can speak to your community ties if bond is an issue. Because electronic devices are often restricted in the courtroom, check ahead with your attorney or the clerk’s office at (434) 985‑5224 for the Greene County General District Court’s current policy. Arriving early and dressing respectfully for court are also recommended. Your attorney can advise you on the specific documents and information that will be helpful in your case.
Will I be released after the arraignment?
Release after arraignment depends on the bond decision; many defendants charged with minor offenses are released on recognizance, while those facing serious charges or with a history of failures to appear may be held. The judge can modify the magistrate’s initial bond decision during the arraignment. If a secured bond is required and you cannot post it, you may remain in custody. An attorney can argue for your release by presenting information about your employment, family, and lack of flight risk. If you have questions about your arrest, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
How can a lawyer help at arraignment?
An attorney can enter a not‑guilty plea on your behalf, argue for a reasonable bond, request time to review the evidence, and begin building your defense. More importantly, a lawyer can prevent you from making statements that may be used against you later. At the arraignment, the judge may ask about employment, family, and other matters relevant to bond; an attorney can help frame those answers appropriately. Because the arraignment sets the tone for the entire case, professional guidance from the start is a key advantage. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437-7747.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced criminal defense since 1997. He is a former prosecutor who testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). Mr. Sris is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. He leads a team of Of Counsel attorneys, including Bryan Block, a former Virginia State Trooper with thorough knowledge of law-enforcement procedures, who serves as lead counsel for Greene County criminal matters. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring over 120 years of combined legal experience, backed by 4,739+ documented firm-wide results. Results may vary.
If you are facing charges in nearby jurisdictions, see our pages on Fairfax County criminal defense, Loudoun County criminal defense, and Prince William County criminal defense.
Last reviewed: June 2026
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Results may vary.
Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.